123Movies is a streaming website that offers free movies and TV shows in HD quality with no ads. There is no sign-up required to use the website. You can find all your favorite movies to watch with a user-friendly interface. In March 2018, the site was shut down by the Vietnamese government due to an investigation into its legal status.
Since the original site is down, many similar sites are showing the same free TV shows and movies as the original, but some sites are blocked, and they also show ads that can interrupt your streaming.
We’re going to explore the best movie streaming sites, like 123Movies, their pros and cons, and what makes them great.
Pay Attention Before You Visit the Movie Websites
Every free movie streaming service has pop-ups and ads. Some even contain malicious code, which is blocked in certain nations.
Some spam websites occasionally open in new tabs as you navigate the site or click on something. Specific processes on your laptop or computer continue to operate even when you are unaware of them.
In fact, these free movie websites are entirely unsafe. One incorrect click could put you in danger. Thus, I advise purchasing the best VPN service or using authorized movie streaming services.
Yes, you can enjoy a safe and ad-free environment with a premium VPN service. I check free movie websites with ExpressVPN.
Best 123Movies Alternatives of 2025 – QuickList
Check out the 26 best 123Movies alternatives that work in 2025:
- LosMovies – Watch free movies in various genres.
- TinklePad – Stream Korean, Japanese, Bollywood, and Hollywood films.
- Rainerland – Download films for offline viewing.
- Vumoo – Watch movies without an account.
- FMovies – Use filters to easily find content.
- Primewire – Binge-watch Hollywood and Bollywood shows.
- Putlocker – Free library of movies and shows.
- SolarMovie – Multiple streaming links for hassle-free viewing.
- AZMovies – Access a vast, updated movie library.
- FlixTor – Free streaming for TV shows of all genres.
- MoviesJoy – Huge movie collection for private viewing.
- SubsMovies – Watch series with subtitles in any language.
- Cineb – User-friendly platform for HD-quality shows.
- StreamM4u – No intrusive ads or pop-ups.
- MusicHQ – HD movies and shows with download options.
- YesMovies – Thousands of shows without ads.
- ZMovies – Search for titles using various filters.
- 5MoviesHD – Diverse HD movie and TV series library.
- Afdah – Enjoy exceptional movies and TV shows.
- GoMovies – Watch trending movies and shows.
- LookMovie – Well-organized film library.
- VexMovies – Bollywood films library.
- YoMovies – A great collection of Indian films and series.
- Yidio – TV guide to find where to stream shows.
- Hindilinks4u – Stream Hindi and Bollywood films for free.
- SFlix – Free Netflix alternative with regularly updated content.
Warning on Copyright Infringement
Before using a streaming website, you should consider that without respecting its owners, it may create legal issues for you. That’s why Trendalize suggests a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN to make yourself invisible online, particularly if you watch movies on free streaming sites like 123Movies.
Additionally, you can connect the VPN that changes your IP if you are in a country where it is illegal to access 123Movies. ExpressVPN offers multiple servers, available in over 3,000 locations in 94+ countries.
Note: Always remember that the Government and ISP (Internet Service Provider) are constantly watching your online activities; a VPN is the only way to protect yourself from these prying eyes.
Top Features of 123Movies
After learning about this, you will be surprised if you have not heard the names of 123 movies before. So, we have listed all the features that make this website great for free movie lovers. Below, you can see the features of 123movies:
- Watch all the trending TV shows and movies for free online
- Find the best IMDb-rated movies in a well-organized section
- Locate films according to their release date, country, or genre
- Watch entertainment from various streaming sources
- Quickly find what you’re looking for by using filters.
- Watch your favorite content without having to register or submit your credit card details.
How Safe Is 123Movies for Your Device?
123Movies has been a trusted website with no malicious intent over the years. The website is well-optimized to suit every viewer’s streaming preferences, and it is compatible with Sony, Dell, HP, LG, and Philips PCs. You can even watch your favorite movies on your mobile.
However, 123Movies contains advertisements that redirect you to third-party websites when clicked. While 123Movies is quite safe, the same cannot be said about these third-party websites. These ads may contain malicious files such as adware, viruses, and malware. Even if you have a firewall installed on your device, these files can still cause problems and harm your system.
Thus, if you want to watch movies and TV series on 123Movies without any issues, we recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN. It offers advanced security that protects you from cyber threats.
Best Alternatives to 123Movies – Detailed List
1. LosMovies
- Our Rating: 3.6
- Price: Free
- Pros: Large content library
- Cons: Annoying ads and pop-ups
Visit LosMovies—LosMovies has an organized library of films and TV shows from other countries. It is popular mostly with kids and teenagers as it contains a wide library of appropriate content for their age group. You can view films based on release year, country, genre, quality, rating, and upload time. It also contains various servers to play movies uninterrupted and suggests content that is trending with its users.
2. TinklePad
- Our Rating: 3.4
- Price: Free
- Pros: It has movies and TV shows in high-definition
- Cons: You need to sign up to minimize ad pop-ups
Visit TinklePad—TinklePad, also called Movie25, has a variety of Hollywood, Korean, Japanese, and Bollywood content. It lets users rate movies so others can decide what to watch. You can also download its app on Android or Fire TV for easier streaming.
3. Rainierland
- Our Rating: 3.2
- Price: Free
- Pros: No registration is needed
- Cons: It contains pirated content
Visit Rainierland—Rainierland is one of the free streaming websites offering a wide variety of TV shows and movies. All content is categorized by language, genre, and release year, with a user-friendly search bar for convenient use.
4. Vumoo
- Our Rating: 3.6
- Price: Free
- Pros: Offers mobile applications
- Cons: Has annoying ads
Visit Vumoo—Vumoo has a very simple and intuitive interface, and there’s a good collection of movies and TV shows. The platform also lets you make your own playlist of your favorite content.
5. FMovies
- Our Rating: 3.7
- Price: Free
- Pros: No need for subscription or registration
- Cons: Videos won’t load sometimes
Visit FMovies—FMovies is a free streaming website with HD-quality films and TV shows. It contains no annoying pop-up ads, and its library is extensive, making it perfect as an alternative to 123Movies. You need not sign up, as signing up will provide access to more exclusive content.
6. PrimeWire
- Our Rating: 3.5
- Price: Free
- Pros: The site has multiple servers.
- Cons: Geo-restricted in some regions.
Visit PrimeWire—PrimeWire features an impressive library of movies and television shows, including independent films and documentaries. It has a slick, user-friendly interface, as well as a strong search feature to make browsing easier.
7. Putlocker
- Rating: 3.3
- Price: Free
- Pros: High-quality movies and TV shows
- Cons: Very annoying ads
Visit Putlocker—Putlocker provides an extensive library of movies and TV shows, regularly updated with new releases. The site offers great sorting options by release date, making it easy to find both old classics and new hits.
8. SolarMovie
- Our Rating: 4
- Price: Free
- Pros: Vast library of TV shows and movies
- Cons: Contains malware
Visit SolarMovie—SolarMovie has a friendly user interface and provides users with links to various streaming sources. It organizes movies and TV shows by genre, quality, and language.
9. AZMovies
- Our Rating: 4
- Price: Free
- Pros: Registration is not necessary
- Cons: Does not have any TV series
Visit AZMovies—AZMovies is all about Hollywood blockbusters. They provide a good amount of old and new movies in HD. The website has a good search bar that helps the users easily find what they want.
10. FlixTor
- Our Rating: 3.9
- Price: Free
- Pros: Huge content library
- Cons: Provides pirated content
Visit FlixTor—FlixTor boasts one of the biggest collections of free TV shows and movies, which include all genres, from horror to comedy. No registration is needed to watch the content, and thus, it’s one of the fastest streaming services available.
11. MoviesJoy
- Our Rating: 4.1
- Price: Free
- Pros: Movies and TV shows are diversified
- Cons: Buffering problems and server errors
Visit MoviesJoy—MoviesJoy offers more than 10,000 HD-quality movies and TV shows, with no registration required. It even allows you to download movies for offline viewing and is accessible on any device with a web browser or the Android app.
12. SubsMovies
- Our Rating: 3.7
- Price: Free
- Pros: Offers subtitle options from multiple languages
- Cons: Not always legal in other countries.
Visit SubsMovies—SubsMovies is a pretty good site to download movies that are either old Hollywood movies or relatively new Hollywood films with subtitles in many languages. Although it doesn’t boast video quality or library size, this site is best for someone who wants to download films in subtitles instead of dubbing.
13. Cineb
- Our Rating: 3.2
- Price: Free
- Pros: Great options to categorize
- Cons: Messy interface
Visit Cineb—It’s a new streaming site that provides users with an easy and no-overwhelming, ads-filled interface. The platform comprises all sorts of movies, which are regularly updated, along with the new ones that are coming every day.
14. StreamM4u
- Our Rating: 3.1
- Price: Free
- Pros: No ad pop-up
- Cons: It is very weak in the content list
Visit StreamM4u—StreamM4u has some really good Hollywood movies, Indian dramas, and animes. The website has a filter to search for genres, language, or even by the release year; however, it lacks broader content.
15. MusicHQ
- Our Rating: 3.8
- Price: Free
- Pros: Excellent content filtering feature
- Cons: Has banner ads
Visit MusicHQ—MusicHQ offers a surprisingly vast number of movies (not music) in HD. It offers Netflix shows and offers an easy browsing experience, with filters to find you new content. Watch out for banner ads, though, which can lead you to sketchy sites.
16. YesMovies
- Our Rating: 3.6
- Price: Free
- Pros: Sleek user interface
- Cons: Distributes pirated content
Visit YesMovies—YesMovies delivers movies and TV shows of superior quality. The interface is quite easy to navigate and works fine for the user’s search, providing useful data about titles, such as an IMDb score and reviews.
17. ZMovies
- Our Rating: 3
- Price: Free
- Pros: Many content filters
- Cons: Many ad pop-ups
Visit ZMovies—ZMovies brings different types of movies. While having many content filters, ZMovies has so many ads popping up all over during browsing.
18. 5MoviesHD
- Our Rating: 3.8
- Price: Free
- Pros: Ranks movies with IMDb ratings
- Cons: The site contains illegal movie streams
Visit 5MoviesHD—A simple interface lets you search for any movie by its title or cast. It has sections like “Highest Rated Movies” and “Coming Soon,” but I could not find any ninety’s content.
19. Afdah
- Our Rating: 3.3
- Price: Free
- Pros: High-quality video streaming
- Cons: Streams copyrighted content.
Visit Afdah—Afdah has a very easy-to-use interface with fantastic filter options. You can enjoy watching or downloading movies in HD quality without any ads disturbing you.
20. GoMovies
- Our Rating: 4.3
- Price: Free
- Pros: Keeps the library updated
- Cons: Ad pop-ups are very irritating
Visit GoMovies—GoMovies is another good alternative to 123Movies. It provides users with a large library that is updated regularly. They have filters that will let you find movies of interest easily.
21. LookMovie
- Our Rating: 3.1
- Price: Free
- Pros: Big library of content
- Cons: Poor video quality
Visit LookMovie—LookMovie is a well-structured website with a lot of movies and TV shows. It has useful IMDb ratings and other information for each title.
22. VexMovies
- Our Rating: 3.3
- Price: Free
- Pros: User-friendly interface
- Cons: Poor video quality
Visit VexMovies—VexMovies specializes in Bollywood content with dubbed versions and subtitles. It offers a good number of international popular shows and movies, too.
23. YoMovies
- Our Rating: 3.3
- Price: Free
- Pros: Huge library of movies
- Cons: Features pirated content
Visit Yomovies—Yomovies has an extensive range of Bollywood, Hollywood, and local movies with subtitles for all content. It also has many filters for movies to make searching and browsing easy.
24. Yidio
- Our Rating: 3.5
- Price: Free
- Pros: Delivers high-quality videos
- Cons: All movies not accessible for free streaming
Visit Yidio—Yidio is a movie and TV guide that allows you to find where to stream your favorite content across various streaming services. Some of the movies are available for purchase, but there is also a free section.
25. Hindilinks4u
- Our Rating: 3
- Price: Free
- Pros: It features the latest releases
- Cons: Slow loading speed
Visit Hindilinks4u—Hindilinks4u offers free Hindi and Bollywood movies, with no registration needed. Both HD streaming and content downloads are supported.
26. SFlix
- Our Rating: 3.2
- Price: Free
- Pros: Well-organized content
- Cons: Frequent ads and pop-ups
Visit SFlix—SFlix is a free service that provides a Netflix-like experience with many movies and TV shows. It has a simple interface and is great for finding popular content.
6 Best Paid Alternatives to 123Movies
Here are the top 6 legal 123Movies alternatives that you will have to pay for:
1. CBS All Access (US)
- Features: Live sports, CBS shows, Paramount films, Nickelodeon, and more.
- Pricing: $5.99/month (ads) or $11.99/month (ad-free).
- Why Choose: Perfect for fans of CBS, live sports, and family-friendly content.
2. Netflix
- Features: Huge library of movies, shows, and originals like Stranger Things.
- Pricing: Starts at $6.99/month (ads).
- Why Choose: Exclusive, high-quality content across genres.
3. Amazon Prime Video
- Features: Movies, TV shows, Amazon Originals, and rental options.
- Pricing: $14.99/month or $139/year with Prime perks.
- Why Choose: Streaming plus free shipping and exclusive deals.
4. Hulu
- Features: Live TV, films, and Hulu Originals like The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Pricing: $7.99/month (ads) or $14.99/month (ad-free).
- Why Choose: Great for TV series and next-day episodes.
5. HBO Max (Now Max)
- Features: Warner Bros. movies, HBO Originals, and Discovery+ series.
- Pricing: Starts at $9.99/month (ads).
- Why Choose: Known for acclaimed series like Game of Thrones.
6. Crunchyroll
- Features: Huge anime library, dubbed and subtitled.
- Pricing: Starts at $7.99/month.
- Why Choose: Perfect for anime fans and new releases.
Why Choose Paid Streaming Over Free Sites?
If you do not care about whether the free movie sites are legal, then you better go for a premium service. The paid sites charge before you stream a show. You are sure to have ad-free surfing and HD video streaming. You will get exclusive titles, and you won’t have to wait long to see a show when it premieres.
Some of these services are geo-restricted to a certain area, but you can watch them if you connect to a VPN server in a suitable location. For example, since Hulu is available only in the United States, you can only stream it if you connect to a US server.
Is Watching Free Movies on 123Movies Legal?
It’s not usually. Since websites such as 123movies stream pirated movies and TV shows, viewing free content on those sites is illegal. Such sites stream copyrighted content without permission; it is a punishable act that can get you in trouble with your local law enforcement. Because of this, the websites are often shut down, and in some places, the visitors also face fines.
These platforms harm content creators and the entertainment industry, which hinders new content production in the future. Such sites bring along risks like phishing, malware, and data theft. To avoid this problem, you should opt for legitimate options such as paid streaming (Netflix, Hulu, etc.). By choosing official streaming, you are actually helping the content creators and the studios, but at the same time, you will be following the rule of law.
When Was 123Movies Shut Down?
The official 123Movies website, which was widely regarded as “the most popular illegal website in the world” by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), had around 98 million monthly visitors before it was forced to shut down in March 2018 because it offered free access to copyrighted content. The shutdown was attributed to legal pressures, including criminal investigations by Vietnamese authorities and requests from the U.S. government to prosecute the operators of the site.
However, since it is closed, numerous clones or mirror sites, commonly called copycat websites, are found on the internet.
What is 123movies called now?
The URL for the new 123movies website is https://ww9.0123movie.net/. When you search for 123movies on Google, you will find many websites, but most of them are deceptive and lead to malicious websites that steal your personal data.
You can currently use https://ww9.0123movie.net/; it functions properly. If you have ExpressVPN installed, you won’t be bothered by pop-ups and ads.
Best 123Movies Alternative Proxy Sites for 2025
As you know, there are various clone websites on 123Movies. Most of the sites are active in different countries. However, if none of them are working at your place, then connect to an ExpressVPN server and change your virtual location.
Here is the list of currently working 123Movies mirror sites:
| Sr. No | Proxy/Mirror | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | https://ww1.movies123.studio/ | Active | A reliable 123Movies mirror for streaming movies and shows. |
| 2 | https://123moviefreeze.com/ | Active | Offers a wide range of movies and TV shows for free. |
| 3 | https://123movies-to.org/ | Active | Well-organized interface for seamless streaming. |
| 4 | https://123moviezz.exchange/ | Active | A stable proxy for fast streaming of popular content. |
| 5 | https://ww19.0123movie.net/ | Active | Provides HD-quality movies and TV shows. |
| 6 | https://123moviesjr.cc/123movies | Active | Offers a large variety of movies and TV series with minimal ads. |
| 7 | https://ww4.123moviesfree.net/home/ | Active | Features an easy-to-navigate site with free streaming. |
| 8 | https://123movies.com.pk/ | Active | A great alternative with diverse content options. |
| 9 | https://123moviesffree.com/home/ | Active | Free access to the latest movies and TV shows, updated frequently. |
Note: The majority of these proxy websites are suspicious and may contain malware. For this reason, choosing the best 123 movie alternatives from this list would be a better option. We also recommend using an ad-blocker and a good VPN for security.
How Can I Unblock 123Movies Safely?
Accessing blocked websites, including 123Movies or its clones, is risky in terms of legality and cybersecurity. If you still want to access them, here are some considerations for safer access:
Use a Reliable VPN:
- A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address. Choose a trusted VPN with a no-logs policy to maintain privacy.
- Use some trusted and popular VPNs, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.
Enable Antivirus and Firewall Protection:
- Streaming such sites can reveal malware on your device. Use the updated version of the antivirus software and ensure that firewall protection is enabled.
Avoid clicking on suspicious ads or links:
- Clone sites are generally full of deceptive ads or malicious links. Use an ad blocker to reduce these risks.
Access via Proxy Servers:
- Although they can provide anonymity, proxy servers are not as safe as VPNs. Avoid entering personal details and use this only if needed.
Check Local Laws:
- Quite a number of places in the world have strict copyright laws. Using or unblocking such sites might even be illegal in your area, so check local laws.
Opt for Legal Alternatives:
- Be safer by accessing free movies with legal and free alternatives such as Tubi or Crackle instead of facing the consequences of having malware or a court trial against you.
Important Note: Remember that using pirated content circumvents the intellectual property laws applicable to most regions. Stick with ethical and legitimate alternatives at all times.
Why Should I Use a VPN for Streaming Sites like 123Movies?
You should use a VPN because it protects you from malicious ads. In addition, it protects your identity by masking your IP, encrypting your internet traffic, and providing anonymity. Governments and ISPs are always tracking your online activities. Especially when you are streaming free sites like 123Movies, by using a VPN, you can enjoy anything without surveillance, data breaches, or ISP throttling.
A VPN is a necessity whenever you visit any site on the internet, including streaming sites such as 123movies. It helps you access all the restricted content while keeping you absolutely private and anonymous. The best VPN online is ExpressVPN since it protects your internet traffic and lets you stream without any buffering.
Access Content Anywhere, Anytime
If 123Movies is geo-restricted or blocked in your country, you can use a VPN to get around these limitations. You can enjoy your favorite streaming websites with ExpressVPN. Its servers are spread across 94 countries. If 123Movies is available in your area, you can connect to any of its servers and begin. Simply connect to a server at any time or location to access the content!
Conclusion
While 123Movies provides free movies and television shows in HD quality from a vast library, the legal and cybersecurity risks with such streaming sites should be recognized. In fact, the shutdown of the original 123Movies in 2018 clearly shows how hard it has become to access pirated content.
For a safe and better streaming experience, use lawful platforms or consider alternative sources via a VPN. Protect privacy and avoid the risk of legal issues while using free alternatives. Choose secure sources for streaming to promote content creation and ensure a safe online world.
FAQs
Is 123Movies legal?
No, 123Movies streams pirated content, making it illegal in many countries.
Is it safe to use 123Movies?
While the site is generally safe, it contains ads that can lead to malicious third-party websites, posing security risks.
What are the top 100% Safe and free alternatives to 123movies?
- Tubi
- YouTube
- Amazon Freevee
- Amazon MiniTV (For Indian Users)
- Crackle
Is there any site better than 123Movies?
MyFlixTor is among the top free movie streaming websites on the internet, comparable to 123Movies. In fact, it is better than the 123Movies websites available online.
Do I need to register to use 123Movies?
No, you can watch movies and TV shows on 123Movies without signing up or providing any personal details.
Why was 123Movies shut down?
The original 123Movies site was closed in 2018 by the Vietnamese government in the wake of lawsuit claims from the entertainment sector, alleging piracy.
Does a VPN let me access 123Movies?
Yes, using a VPN can help access sites without restriction and protect user identity and data when accessing any sites, including 123Movies clone sites.
What are the best 123movies Alternatives?
- MyFlixTor
- VidStream
- 5Movies
- YoYoMovies
- YesMovies
- BMovies
- MoviesJoy
- FlixTor
